The Commitment to Sustainability in Agribusiness
Brazilian agribusiness, marked by its notable growth in recent decades, faces growing demand for sustainable production, embracing the principles of ESG pillars (Environment, Social and Governance). In this text, the environmental aspect of this commitment will be addressed, leaving the topics “Social” e “Governance” for future discussions.
The current prosperity of Brazilian agribusiness is the result of strategic decisions taken decades ago, such as the implementation of Pro-Álcool in the years 70 and investment in hydroelectric plants. Furthermore, strict environmental and labor legislation has shaped the sector. The combination of these past measures with current actions positions Brazilian agribusiness as one of the most sustainable in the world.
Environmental Preservation and Renewable Energy
A notable highlight is the preservation of areas in Brazil. currently, 66% of the territory remains untouched, thanks to the strict Brazilian Forest Code, which restricts the use of areas for production in different biomes. This policy requires that up to 80% of areas in the Amazon are preserved, contributing significantly to environmental conservation.
Brazil stands out in the use of renewable energy, with about 48% of its energy matrix from clean sources, compared to the global average of 15%. In electricity, this number jumps to almost 83%. Agribusiness plays a crucial role in this scenario, enjoying the sugarcane, biomass and other raw materials to generate sustainable energy.
Brazil leads the use of biofuels, with 12% of biodiesel mixed with diesel and 27% of anhydrous ethanol in gasoline. These policies directly contribute to reducing polluting gas emissions, promoting environmental sustainability.
The country stands out globally for being responsible for only 3% of CO2 emissions and has one of the lowest carbon emissions per capita, with approximately 2,2 tons per inhabitant. These numbers reflect the commitment to reducing the carbon footprint and mitigating climate change.
Sustainable Innovation in the Field
Science plays a crucial role in improving Brazilian agricultural sustainability indicators. Actions such as Crop-Livestock-Forest Integration, Crop rotation and regenerative agriculture are driving significant gains in productivity, while protecting natural resources and the environment.
Despite the progress, the issue of illegal deforestation represents a significant challenge to Brazil's image. It is crucial to focus efforts on eradicating this problem, punishing offenders and promoting environmental preservation.
Towards a Sustainable Future and the Potential of Green Food
Surprisingly, even with the expected growth of Brazilian agribusiness in the coming years, it will not be necessary to carry out additional deforestation, thanks to strategies such as financial compensation for not using covered areas. Brazil is on the path to becoming a world leader in sustainable food production.
In short, environmental numbers largely favor Brazilian agribusiness. Nonetheless, the sector and the government continue to work tirelessly to further improve sustainability indicators. Brazil is positioned to offer foods that are not only healthy, but also the greenest on the planet, exemplifying its commitment to environmental sustainability in agribusiness.
Circular Agriculture and Waste Reduction: In addition to policies for the preservation and use of clean energy, Brazilian agriculture is adopting circular agriculture, that reuses waste and by-products to generate new gains. This not only reduces waste, but also reduces pressure on natural resources.
Carbon Fixation and Regenerative Agriculture: Initiatives to fix carbon in the soil and practice regenerative agriculture are becoming increasingly common. These approaches not only improve soil quality and its water-holding capacity, but also sequester atmospheric carbon, contributing to the fight against climate change.
Use of Renewable Energy in the Field: The increasing adoption of photovoltaic and wind energy on farms not only reduces energy costs for farmers, but also reduces the carbon footprint of agricultural production. The use of biogas and biomethane from organic waste is also on the rise, transforming byproducts into clean energy sources.
Future Technologies and Continued Sustainability: Technological innovation continues to play a crucial role in advancing sustainability in Brazilian agribusiness. The development of area management systems per square meter, the use of bioinputs and biological control and research into more efficient crop varieties are examples of how the sector is adapting to preserve the environment and improve productivity.
Therefore, Brazil not only stands out in terms of environmental sustainability in agribusiness, but also demonstrates a solid commitment to continuing to improve its agricultural practices to ensure that the food produced is truly “verdes”, providing benefits for the health of the planet and its inhabitants.
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